Composer

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Ruperto Chapí

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

La Tempestad is an opera composed by Ruperto Chapí, a Spanish composer, and premiered on March 11, 1882, at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid. The opera is based on William Shakespeare's play The Tempest and is considered one of Chapí's most significant works. The opera consists of three acts and is set on a deserted island where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, has been stranded with his daughter Miranda for twelve years. The story revolves around Prospero's plan to use his magical powers to bring his enemies to the island and seek revenge. The first act begins with a storm that brings Alonso, the King of Naples, and his entourage to the island. Prospero uses his magic to separate the group and manipulate their actions. The act ends with a love duet between Miranda and Ferdinand, the son of Alonso. The second act focuses on the comic subplot of the opera, where two drunkards, Trinculo and Stephano, encounter Caliban, a deformed creature who is enslaved by Prospero. The trio plans to overthrow Prospero and take control of the island. The final act sees Prospero's plan come to fruition as he confronts his enemies and forgives them. The opera ends with a joyful chorus celebrating the union of Miranda and Ferdinand. La Tempestad is known for its beautiful melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of Spanish folk music. The opera also features a wide range of vocal styles, from the comic songs of Trinculo and Stephano to the romantic duets of Miranda and Ferdinand. Overall, La Tempestad is a masterpiece of Spanish opera, blending Shakespeare's timeless story with Chapí's unique musical style. It remains a popular work in the Spanish operatic repertoire and is regularly performed in theaters around the world.

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